The Mumbai Press Club demanded an immediate CBI inquiry into the mysterious death of Aaj Tak reporter Akshay Singh. Any delay in ordering the probe will only strengthen the perception that India is sinking to the depths of another 'failed' Banana Republic.

Like others, who have died under mysterious circumstances, Akshay’s death needs to be probed by the CBI rather than Madhya Pradesh’s SIT, which depends on the state police for inputs and information. Nothing short of ordering a CBI probe into Akshay’s death is acceptable. We also urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on this perplexing and tragic issue.

Mumbai Press Club also deeply mourns the death of Akshay Singh, special correspondent of Aaj Tak, who died investigating and reporting the Vyapam scam at Ujjain, in Madhya Pradesh. We stand by the Dahod-based family of Singh, who was just 38.

Whatever may be the autopsy report, the case should not be treated as normal as we over the last one month have seen reports of many similar and unnatural deaths of people connected with the Vyapam scam, be it witnesses, accused, suspects, investigators and beneficiaries.

The death of Akshay has come at a time when the journalist fraternity is yet to come to terms with the burning to death of Jagendra Singh of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh and Sandeep Kothari of Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, whose burnt body was found in Wardha district of Maharashtra. The two back-to-back similar incidents have come as a shock and a wake up call for all media persons.

Mumbai Press Club also demand an immediate sacking of MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya who has been accused of showing appalling insensitivity with his dismissive comment on Akshay.

On its part, the Mumbai Press Club has taken the lead in helping file a case in the Supreme Court demanding a CBI Inquiry and is in touch with different journalist associations, organisations, federations and bodies in UP and New Delhi. The Club will also be extending some financial assistance to the bereaved families of the dead journalists.

The Mumbai Press Club has also set up a fact-finding team in collaboration with the Nagpur Union of Working Journalists to visit Nagpur, Wardha and Balaghat and investigate the brutal murder of journalist Kothari.

Looking forward to your support for strengthening journalist rights and unity!